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View Full Version : KYB AGX & FM Springs


chuckerants
08-19-2006, 11:39 AM
Since ThomS asked, I thought I'd summerize my experience with this combo.

I've had the AGX & FM springs for about 1 year now. I initially installed the KYB AGXs on my OEM springs and they were a huge improvement. However, after a few months, I noticed that there was a lot of body roll when I drove at a particular freeway transition.

After many weeks of research between new springs and new front sway bars, I decided on springs a what I was looking for. That plus the fact a used set of FM springs was for sale. :)

When I bought the springs, I called Flyin Miata and thy were able to tell me EXACTLY what my ride height would be immediately after install and after settling down. I don't remember the number off hand, but they were dead-on with what FM told me.

After driving on this combo for a while, I've come to live with the fact that the perfect setting is eitehr 2 or 3 at all four corners - 3 being 170% stiffer than stock.

I've had my car at th Streets of Willow racetrack in CA with the shocks at 3 which is how I drove the car everyday. The instructor that drove my car said that the setup was very well balanced so I'm very happy with that assessment.

Now, though I'm happy with the KYB AGX and FM springs combo, I paid $300 for the shocks + $200 for the springs = $500.

If I had to do it all over, I would have to consider the Tein Basic or the SS to be a better bargain. They certainly are better shocks and would serve me well far beyond where my current skills.

socal pat
08-19-2006, 05:41 PM
I have the AGX/FM as well. I do have some issues with the setup though. After three years and as many sets of tires I can say that the problem I am having is due to the springs. I am getting cupping. There is a pattern of flat spots about the size of a half dollar with a space between on all four corners. I have tried different shock settings, alignments, and tire pressures. I've asked anyone and everyone I could. Finally Larry Denstedt, who is pretty much the SanDiego version of Mike's Place (and avid autoxer) took a look, measured the spots and spaces, and pointed at the springs and said "There's your problem.".

So I agree with Chuck. The SS or Basic is a better choice for the same money. Soon I'll be inheriting some Tein springs and I'll mount those just before my next set of tires. That should prove whether or not the FM springs really are the culprit.

chuckerants
08-20-2006, 10:05 AM
Pat,

I'm glad you figured it out.

This would be the first time I've ever heard of FM springs having that effect on tires. You may want to contact FM and ask them about it. Who knows, they may offer to buy them back just to inspect the springs.

As for my FM springs, they have lowered my car just about to perfect height. It is lowered enough so that there is a subtle difference in the car stance that is hard to tell if it's perception or reality. The lowered stance really adds a menacing look to the car. :D

socal pat
08-20-2006, 10:28 AM
Actually a while back I posted the question on M.net and got mostly predictable responses, except for one from (I'm kinda guessing now) from Lance or Lyle Schall I think. Whomever it was said they had seen the same thing once before on a car with the FM/AGX combo.